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It is not the hour to seek one's self for one's self,
nor to flee pains in order to possess consolations;
nay, it is the hour to lose one's self.
*St. Catherine of Siena
Sweet are the memories of the many times of working to utter exhaustion within the Will of God. Such delectable fatigue, inspired by loving devotion, has a blessedness beyond words. How could I not pray to have more of it?
*Brian K. Wilcox. OneLife Ministries. Author An Ache for Union
St. Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) was known for her great love for all persons. This gained for her many dear friends from all walks of life.
Once, St. Catherine's parents, themselves generous, discovered how many material goods their daughter was giving away. They began locking things up. Once, she was reminded, after giving away her cloak, that the only women going about without one in Sienna were of immoral character. She replied, "I would rather go without my cloak than without my charity."
St. Catherine often worked herself into exhaustion. She would, lie down as though dead upon her bed. She would quickly get up to serve someone, as though she was not tired at all. Once, near exhaustion, she recalled a woman in need. She gathered food and took it in early morning darkness to the door of the woman. Her fatigue overtook her on her return home, and she had to limp and crawl until she reached home. She playfully chided the Lord for playing a trick on her, making her an object of ridicule.
To the servant of God . . . every place is the right place,
and every time is the right time.
*St. Catherine of Siena
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1. In what ways might you be being called of God to serve others?
2. Have you ever served others in the name of Christ to the point of exhaustion? What was that like for you?
3. Do you tend to seek consolations more than the rigors of loving service? Explain.
4. What do you think St. Catherine means in saying: "To the servant of God . . . every place is the right place, and every time is the right time"? How does the saying apply to you?
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*Stories of St. Catherine from Fr. Christopher Rengers. The 33 Doctors of the Church; quotes of St. Catherine from www.catholictradition.org .
*Charitable contributions would be appreciated to assist Brian in the continuance of his work of ministry. For contributions, contact Brian at barukhattah@embarqmail.com .
*Brian's book of spiritual love poetry, An Ache for Union: Oneness with God through Love, can be ordered through major booksellers, or through the Cokesbury on-line store, at www.cokesbury.com .
*Brian K. Wilcox lives in Punta Gorda, FL, and Clearwater, FL, with his wife, step-son, and two beloved dogs. Brian has an independent writing, workshop, and retreat ministry focused on Christians living as spiritual disciples of Jesus Christ in everyday life. He serves the Christ Community United Methodist Church, Punta Gorda, FL. Brian is vowed at Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in South Georgia. He lives a vowed, contemplative life and inspires others to experience a more intimate relationship with God-in-Christ. Brian advocates for a spiritually-focused, experiential Christianity and renewal of the focus of the Church on addressing the deeper spiritual needs and longings of persons.
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